The highlight of an already incredible trip to Italy, Fabulous Cooking Day was indeed fabulous in…read moreevery single way! If you are considering taking a cooking class, don't go with those cheap classes where you watch someone prepare pizza. In this class, you are 100% participating in the preparation of what turned out to be a delectable 5 course meal that I'd pay good money for at a restaurant.
We started by stopping at several small local markets where Chef Fabio would select vegetables, meat, cheese and other ingredients based on what was fresh and looked good. As we navigated the streets, I took in the incredible grandeur of Roman Architecture along the way with our final stop the Jewish Ghetto. Chef Fabio filled us in in the important historical aspects of this area. He also shared info on current events, like how covid affected the markets and restaurants.
When our shopping was complete, we continued our walk over the bridge of the River Tiber to a small island in the Jewish Ghetto where his apartment is located. We actually cooked in his kitchen!! It was set up perfectly for a class. But the apartment itself, a stunning mix of super modern decor in an old apartment built in and incorporating ancient ruins was another surprise treat! Curves and arches everywhere with a window looking out onto the courtyard and another to the arched bridge and flowing Tiber River. Stunning in every way! This environment, the fact that we were cooking in this setting most definitely added to the uniqueness and fabulousness of the experience. He even took us to the rooms below the kitchen and dining area which are literally built in the ancient caves. Mind blown!
We made several courses and were all prepping and making various components. Although we each made the three types of pasta. Like a maestro conducting a symphony, Chef Fabio directed us flawlessly and we sat down to enjoy the meal. First with a toast to the chefs! Us!
For our meal we made and enjoyed:
- Cavatelli pasta with a radicchio, blue cheese and walnut sauce. Such unique flavors coming together with the perfect balance.
- Potato gnocchi with creamed artichoke sauce and crispy guanciale
- Spinach and ricotta ravioli with a sauce made from parmigiana reggiano and pasta water. So creamy and absolutely divine.
- Veal Saltimboca with a side of potato fried in freshly seasoned breadcrumbs and pecorino Romano
- Strawberries with balsamic vinegar
Everything was delectable, the perfect balance of flavors made with fresh, quality ingredients. While Chef Fabio didn't hand out recipes, I learned the techniques and feel confident that I can make everything.
I can't wait to make the cavatelli shaped pasta, which is my favorite pasta shape and one my Nana made fresh on Sundays. So many memories and for mastering the roll and shape of cavatelli, it alone was worth the $130 euros!
The gnocchi was surprisingly simple and fast to make and unlike the heavy gnocchi often served in restaurants, these were light pillows of Heaven. I'll probably make with a Sorrento sauce of tomatoes, basic and mozzarella.
While I came to the class on my own, the two other couples also attending were just lovely. We all got along and had fun while we cooked and then shared stories and conversations as we ate our meal. Isn't that what food does? Connect and bind people?
Chef Fabio was beyond fabulous! He runs the class like a well oiled machine. Giving clear directions. Showing techniques. Cleaning boards and tools along the way. Plus he also shares stories and conversations so it feels like an intimate experience.
I must also give a shout out to Pablo who was busy cleaning and serving, keeping the kitchen clean which kept us on schedule.
This class was a highlight of my fantastic trip and I am so happy I chose the five hour Fabulous Cooking Day Class out of the dozens of options online. A friend recommended it and now I'm recommending it to you. Mangia!
